Thibodaux man found shot to death

Published: Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 10:59 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 10:59 a.m.

Authorities are trying to piece together the circumstances that led to Tony Rodriguez Jr. being found dead in a canal.

The 23-year-old Thibodaux resident was found Wednesday by fishermen in the Rocky Canal off Myles Road in Iberville Parish.

“Everything is still on the table,” said Assumption Parish Sheriff Mike Waguespack. “This could be anywhere from a drug deal gone bad” to the circumstances another man reported.

Authorities said about 8 p.m. Tuesday, a man they will not identify called to report Rodriguez had been shot.

The man claimed he was driving with Rodriguez along La. 998 in Belle Rose when two men brandishing guns stepped in front of their car. The armed men Rodriguez and his companion to an abandoned house where they tried to rob them, he said.

At that point, the man claims a fight broke out and Rodriguez was shot. The man said he was able to escape to a nearby business where he called police.

When deputies arrived at the abandoned building, it was on fire and Rodriguez was nowhere to be found.

His body was found partially submerged in the canal about 10 miles away with a gunshot wound to the chest, Waguespack said. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday at the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office.

No suspects have been named, and no arrests have been made.

“We have a lot of piecing together on this,” Waguespack said.

Waguespack said he couldn’t comment on any other aspects of the case because it is “too early” in the investigation.

Court documents indicate Rodriguez was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana in 2010. He also had bench warrants tied to that charge.

Waguespack is asking anyone with information to contact the Detectives Division at 526-1627 or the Communication Division at 369-2912. Callers can remain anonymous.

<p>Authorities are trying to piece together the circumstances that led to Tony Rodriguez Jr. being found dead in a canal.</p><p>The 23-year-old Thibodaux resident was found Wednesday by fishermen in the Rocky Canal off Myles Road in Iberville Parish.</p><p>“Everything is still on the table,” said Assumption Parish Sheriff Mike Waguespack. “This could be anywhere from a drug deal gone bad” to the circumstances another man reported. </p><p>Authorities said about 8 p.m. Tuesday, a man they will not identify called to report Rodriguez had been shot.</p><p>The man claimed he was driving with Rodriguez along La. 998 in Belle Rose when two men brandishing guns stepped in front of their car. The armed men Rodriguez and his companion to an abandoned house where they tried to rob them, he said.</p><p>At that point, the man claims a fight broke out and Rodriguez was shot. The man said he was able to escape to a nearby business where he called police.</p><p>When deputies arrived at the abandoned building, it was on fire and Rodriguez was nowhere to be found. </p><p>His body was found partially submerged in the canal about 10 miles away with a gunshot wound to the chest, Waguespack said. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday at the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office.</p><p>No suspects have been named, and no arrests have been made.</p><p>“We have a lot of piecing together on this,” Waguespack said.</p><p>Waguespack said he couldn't comment on any other aspects of the case because it is “too early” in the investigation.</p><p>Court documents indicate Rodriguez was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana in 2010. He also had bench warrants tied to that charge.</p><p>Waguespack is asking anyone with information to contact the Detectives Division at 526-1627 or the Communication Division at 369-2912. Callers can remain anonymous.</p>